How HITIQ’s SMJFL Deal Could Transform Junior Football Safety
HITIQ has secured a pivotal one-year deal with the South Metro Junior Football League, positioning its PROTEQT concussion management system at the heart of junior sports safety. This move complements existing partnerships and signals a strong push into Australia’s grassroots sports market.
- One-year official concussion technology partnership with SMJFL
- Access to 10,000+ junior players and 50,000+ families across 25+ clubs
- PROTEQT system combines smart mouthguard tech with telehealth support
- Partnership builds on existing VAFA collaboration and pending agreements
- Targeting over 100,000 athletes in first commercial rollout year
A Strategic Alliance in Junior Football
HITIQ Limited (ASX – HIQ), a frontrunner in concussion management technology, has announced a significant partnership with the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL), Australia's largest independent junior football competition. This one-year agreement names HITIQ as the Official Concussion Technology Partner for 2025, marking a major step in embedding its PROTEQT system within grassroots sports.
The SMJFL supports over 10,000 players across more than 25 clubs and engages with upwards of 50,000 families in Melbourne’s south-east. By integrating PROTEQT into this vibrant community, HITIQ is not only enhancing player safety but also tapping into a family-focused audience that values youth development and wellbeing.
Technology Meets Community Needs
PROTEQT is more than just a mouthguard; it is a comprehensive concussion management system featuring an ezy-fit boil-and-bite smart mouthguard equipped with impact detection technology, symptom tracking, and telehealth support. This combination addresses the growing demand for effective concussion protocols in junior sports, where early detection and management are critical.
HITIQ’s partnership with SMJFL complements its existing collaboration with the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA), which covers over 15,000 players, and Westfield Sports High School. Together, these alliances create a robust platform for PROTEQT’s rollout, aiming to reach over 100,000 athletes aged 12 and above within the first year.
Market Expansion and Future Prospects
Beyond football, HITIQ is actively pursuing agreements in community rugby league and rugby union, signaling a broader strategy to dominate concussion management across multiple junior sports disciplines. The company’s leadership expresses confidence that these partnerships will not only enhance player safety but also deliver strong shareholder value through rapid market penetration.
Executive Chairman Earl Eddings highlighted the strategic importance of the SMJFL deal, emphasizing its role in amplifying PROTEQT’s impact among junior athletes and their families. Meanwhile, SMJFL CEO Jamie Howden underscored the alignment between the league’s player welfare priorities and HITIQ’s advanced concussion management tools.
As HITIQ continues to leverage its validated technology and elite sports expertise, the company is well-positioned to lead innovation in a sector increasingly focused on athlete health and safety.
Bottom Line?
HITIQ’s expanding partnerships set the stage for PROTEQT to become a cornerstone of junior sports safety nationwide.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the financial terms and expected revenue impact of the SMJFL partnership?
- How quickly will HITIQ secure the pending agreements in rugby league and rugby union?
- What measures will HITIQ take to ensure adoption and compliance among junior clubs and families?
